MDARD Invites Public Comment on Specialty Crop Block Grant Funding Priorities for 2026

Submissions due November 28, 2025

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will accept public comment on funding priorities for Michigan's 2026 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program until 5 p.m. (EST) on November 28, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides annual funding to states and territories to enhance the competitiveness of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture). MDARD uses those funds to award specialty crop block grants to eligible Michigan entities annually through a competitive process.

Based on public input, last year's funding priorities for Michigan Specialty Crop Block grants included:

• Market enhancement to promote specialty crops
  • Market Expansion, Availability, and Access to Specialty Crops
  • Marketing opportunities for Michigan farms to institutional buyers
• Research and development relevant to specialty crops
  • Plant Health & Pest Management
  • Farm Sustainability
• Training and education addressing local, regional, and national challenges confronting specialty crop producers
  • Enhancing Food Safety
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Educational training opportunities to enhance Michigan s specialty crop workforce

Please submit any public comment to [email protected] by 5 p.m. (EST) on November 28. The input received will be considered when developing final program priorities for 2026.

Visit MDARD's grant webpage for more information on Michigan's Specialty Crop Block grants.

###